2024 Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year: Mia Medlin

***ICYMI: Girls Tennis Co-Player of the Year: Sophia Catino***

***ICYMI: Girls Tennis Co-Player of the Year: Hanna Davis***

***ICYMI: Girls Golfer of the Year: Ellie Hildreth***

***ICMYMI: Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year: Owen Reece***

Now that most of the fall sports season has come to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the next week, you will get to know more about the players of the year while also seeing who made first and second team in girls tennis, girls golf, boys and girls cross country, boys soccer and volleyball.

The Coastal Preps Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year is sophomore Mia Medlin from Hoggard.

Mia’s Accomplishments

She may only be a sophomore, but Mia Medlin has already solidified herself as one of the area’s greatest cross country runners. 

Medlin was at or near the front of the pack in every race she competed in, including several prestigious events. 

Her most impressive performance came at the Mideastern Conference Championship, where finished in a record time of 17:23.97. It gave her a win of more than a minute and a half. 

Medlin broke both the course record at Long Leaf Park (was previously 17:38.66) and MEC Championship record (was previously 17:40.16). They were held by former Topsail standout Kaitlyn Obremski, who is now  competing at Appalachian State.

The talented sophomore was third out of 158 runners at the 4A East Regional with a time of 18:29.20. She also finished third out of 176 participants at the 4A State Championship after crossing the finish line in 18:09.92.

Earlier in the season, Medlin was fourth out of 279 runners at the Adidas Challenge in Cary and fourth out of 290 participants at the Friday Night Lights Festival in Kernersville.

More about Mia

Favorite Restaurant(s): Islands

Favorite Movie(s): The Amazing Spiderman, X-Men: First Class, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Favorite TV Show(s): Stranger Things

Favorite Athlete(s): Parker Valby, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Favorite memory from this season: Conference Championship when everybody ran so good, I broke the conference record, and our team won. There was a huge relief among us, and it was just one big celebration after the race.

Favorite thing about your school or team: The positive environment in our team, and how all of our girls are so supportive of one another.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?: I have always taken a moment to pray with my dad before every race. Its hard to find the time at every high-school race, but we do it when we can.

What app on your phone do you use the most?: Instagram 

Where is one place you’ve never been that you’d like to visit?: Australia

Are you a planner or do you go with the flow?: Definitely a planner

What is your favorite way to relax?: I like to sit down with a snack and rewatch one of my comfort movies. Usually, it is with one of my siblings.

Would you rather be able to breathe underwater or fly?: Fly

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?: From coach Rhonda – To trust the process.

What are 3 things you are grateful for in your life?: My coaches and teammates, my supportive family, and pickles

If you are hungry for pizza, where are you ordering it from?: Mellow Mushroom

Do you prefer to shop online or in person?: I could go either way, but probably in person.

Have you lived in the same house your entire life? If not, how many houses have you lived in?: No, I have lived in 4 different houses.

What is one thing you want people to know about you besides being a great athlete?: I have 9 pets and I love and care for all of them – 6 chickens, a dog, a turtle, and a horse.